In our treatment of the subject of sex it is necessary that we consider sexual perversion. This is especially necessary in this day of sexual permissiveness which can lead to perversion. Like sexual permissiveness in general, sexual perversion is also being condoned, approved of and defended by many in high places of influence.
Some doctors, psychiatrists, teachers and even some churches and ministers are approving of it. There are actually some churches that welcome sexual perverts into their membership.
It isn’t just confined to the scum of society but there are many educated, intelligent people from refined social backgrounds that practice some form of sexual perversion. Under the guise of civil rights and human liberty, the sexual pervert has come out in the open, waving the banner of gay liberation. Attending political rallies and conventions he is demanding respectability and freedom to practice his degeneracy as well as a voice in government.
According to a recent Associated Press release (Dec. 16, 1973) the trustees of the American Psychiatric Association voted 13 to 0 against the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness. These trustees are the policy making board of the 20,000 member, American Psychiatric Association.
In advance of the above mentioned meeting the “National Gay Task Force” issued a statement saying, the diagnosis of homosexuality as a mental illness has been the cornerstone of oppression for a tenth of our population.
The trustees also urged repeal of laws in 42 states and the District of Columbia, “making criminal offenses of sexual acts performed by consenting adults in private.” They further urged enactment of laws at all levels to insure homosexual citizens the same rights and protection now guaranteed to others.
Beyond doubt the trend toward unnatural sex in general is being greatly accelerated in this hour. As I have brought out in the article on “The Loosing of Satan”, I believe that sexual permissiveness and the change of attitude toward perversion are the result of greatly increased demon activity. I might add that this is also one of the last signs of moral decay before divine judgment falls upon mankind.
This was the case with Sodom and Gomorrah before God destroyed them with fire and brimstone. Gen. 13:13 says, “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”
In Gen. 19 we see just how low the men of Sodom had descended the ladder of moral corruption when he sent two angels in the appearance of men into Sodom to bring Lot out. The men of Sodom surrounded the house of Lot demanding that the men (two angels) be given to them that they might have relations with them. Their perverted desire was such that they spurned the offer of Lot to give them his virgin daughters instead.
From this Biblical account of the wickedness of the men of Sodom we get the word `sodomy’ meaning unnatural sexual intercourse between men. However there are many types of sexual perversion between men, between women, and between men and women. Some forms of sexual perversion are so sordid and vile until they are unclassified and unmentionable. This includes sexual relations with animals as well as human beings.
Although there are many, many forms of sexual perversion there are only four general types of people guilty of perversion that we want to consider here.
The first group we wish to consider are those who submit to sexual perversion because of influence or pressure from others. They may do so out of fear or simply a desire to keep the peace. The prisons are rampant with this type of sexual perversion as well as confirmed perverts. Older hardened criminals practice perversion simply to gratify their lust. Younger ones submit out of fear or promise of reward.
This same type of perversion can very often happen when a woman unknowingly marries a sexual pervert or a man that later on develops into one. Though she does not want to and in fact may detest unnatural sex, she submits out of fear or to please her husband.
Also among this group you have those who, under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, engage in unnatural sex with those who take advantage of their condition. It is easy for a perverse sex devil to temporarily take control of some people when their mind is distorted by alcohol or drugs. Also there are many that are forced into unnatural sex by intimidation or rapists who threaten them with bodily harm or even death.
Secondly there are those who experiment with unnatural sex seeking a super sex thrill that is simply a fantasy in their minds. Some of these may become disgusted and simply quit. Others go on and become a confirmed sexual deviate.
The third group we consider are those who submit to perversion for money or gain. They are your unnatural sex prostitutes. Among your prostitutes in general you will find some of this type. This type, although not a sexual pervert in the strictest sense, has little or no moral scruples and will do most anything for a dollar.
The fourth type we want to consider is perhaps the most destitute of all. Whether we want to recognize it or not man is born with a corrupt depraved nature. His depravity alone unless tempered by moral or Christian influence is bent in the opposite direction from God and righteousness. Admittedly stronger in some than in others, I believe there is a tendency toward perversion in all.
Although the normal or natural sex drive overrules this tendency toward perversion in most people, there are manifestations of homosexuality at a very early age in others. They are born with that strong overruling tendency toward unnatural sex. The reason for this is we not only inherit the physical stature, intelligence, and traditions of our forefathers, but also their moral weakness.
There are spiritual principles involved here as well as physical and intellectual. Deut. 5:9 says, “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”
We not only bequeath to our children what we have and what we are naturally but also what we are spiritually. Jesus said to the Jews, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him, When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44.
Stephen likewise confirmed this same principle before he was stoned to death. Acts 7:51-52. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted: and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:”
It will be noticed that this spirit of antagonism and hatred of God and truth was ministered and handed down from generation to generation. Likewise the cesspool of moral corruption and decay that is so manifest in today’s generation is the progressive result of man’s rebellion and consequent hatred of God and truth. Born sexual perverts are, I believe, the result of an iniquitous legacy. Due to various environmental conditions some are slower in giving themselves to the spirit (evil spirit) of perversion than others. For this reason it is manifest at an earlier age in some than in others.
Romans 1:21-32 gives us a progressive picture of man turning away from God and truth and being turned over to the depravity and corruption of his own vile nature. It is a picture of man that finally reaches the place where he does not want to retain God in his knowledge. God eventually gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
Romans 1:25 says, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Changing the truth of God into a lie is what is happening today to those who are condoning, approving of and defending sexual perversion. This scripture has been fulfilled in the lives of many in high places of influence. They have become vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart is darkened. Abandoned by the God of truth they have been given over to a reprobate mind. Controlled by the power of darkness they have actually come to believe these things and take pleasure in them.
Verses 26 and 27 says, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”
It is evident that Paul had reference to vile unnatural passion which went beyond the normal passion of male for female and female for the male. God created man and woman to desire each other which is normal and right. The fact that the passions referred to here are vile and unnatural is borne out by other translations. Let’s note some of these:
“...unto vile passions.” (American Standard Version).
“For this cause God delivered them up to shameful passions.” (John A. Broadus et al).
“God therefore handed them over to disgraceful passions.” (J.B. Phillips).
“And, in return, God abandoned them to passions which brought dishonor to them selves.” (Knox).
“That is why God has given them up to passions of dishonor.” (Helen Barrett Montgomery).
When a man or woman begins to play the field in sexual experimentation they are subject to be taken captive by their own lusts ever looking and searching for the sexual thrill that doesn’t exist. The further they go in this direction the more difficult it is for them to ever be satisfied or settle down with one companion or sex in the normal sense. Such persons are a poor risk for marriage as they are ever subject to lapse back into their habit of sexual infidelity.
What often happens is they are taken captive by a demon of lust that keeps prodding them on from one partner to another. Like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, sex becomes an illusory experience they are ever searching for but never able to find.
The presence of one demon may open the door to others more vile and perverse than the first one. This principle is confirmed by the Lord Jesus in Matt. 12:43-45. This, I believe, is the way many are led step by step into various forms of sexual perversion. When sex in the normal sense fails to gratify their burning desire they become an easy prey for evil spirits that prod them into unnatural sex.
The thing we need to understand is that basically we are all subject to like passions and stand in need of restraint and temperance. Giving ourselves to excess in any carnal (fleshly) form is subject to lead into demoniac bondage. Undisciplined minds are fertile ground for such passion.
Although our wills vary in their desire and ability to resist any given or specific temptation we are not born with disciplined wills to overcome. This comes as a result of moral and environmental influences that form certain convictions within us. It is these convictions which serve to hold us back from temptation and excess.
The greatest deterrent of all is conversion to Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. However even Christians have their carnal nature with its inherent weakness to contend with. There is no supernatural presto experience this side of the grave that delivers us from the power and influence of temptation. Although Christ within gives us an inward desire to overcome we are often ignorant of the Word and the necessary faith to overcome. This is why even Christians must be properly taught to discipline their minds if they are to overcome.
Disciplined minds come through a knowledge of the truth (Word of God) and earnest heartfelt prayer that brings the presence of God into our life. It was knowledge of the truth that enabled Jesus to resist Satan and overcome him in the temptation in the wilderness. Matt. 4:1-11.
Even in the unconverted where they have moral scruples that enable them to resist certain temptations, it is because they have been taught to believe that way. Though not Christians they have come to believe certain principles as a result of Christian influence or good moral environment.
Peter speaks of those who escape the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. II Peter 2:20. This doesn’t mean these people are Christians or justified by faith but simply that they have been sheltered and protected by the influence of Christian knowledge. From a study of the context of scripture it is evident they can be overcome by the corrupting influence of the world and the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Genuine conversion plus a knowledge of the Word are a must if we are to overcome. Peter said, II Peter 1:2-4, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Please note that Peter says grace and peace is multiplied to us through the knowledge of God. All things are given to us that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. It is by exceeding great and precious promises that we are made partakers of the divine nature.
Notice how Peter over and over again points out that it is through divine knowledge we receive grace and peace and partake of the divine nature. Knowledge means, to know or believe something that you base your hope upon. This is faith which cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:17.
Knowledge along with heartfelt prayer is our greatest resource when it comes to overcoming temptation. This is why Jesus said, “...men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” This is also why Jesus made it a habit of rising early and going out alone and praying to the Father. He was acutely aware of his need of grace and help to overcome.
Jude had this in mind in verse 20 when he said, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”
Because of the prevalence of sexual perversion those anticipating marriage surely need to be led of the Lord. One of the tragic results of people marrying without being led of God is that they may awaken to the revolting reality that they have married a sexual pervert. Often when this happens the normal innocent partner will give in to the perverted desires of their mate and sooner or later partake of the same spirit (evil spirit). God’s word, Ephesians 5:31, says that in marriage the two become one flesh. As we have said elsewhere, just going before an official and repeating certain marriage vows does not make a couple one. There has to be a meeting of the minds in which this unity of thought and purpose is achieved. This principle applies to saint and sinner alike.
In marriages such as this it is most difficult to live with a husband or wife possessed by a spirit of perversion without giving in to them. One possessed by such a spirit continually seeks to bring their marriage partner into their own iniquitous sexual indulgences. Where the normal partner, possessed by moral scruples, resists their advances they are subject to intimidation by demanding threats and harassment.
Numerous cases of sexual perversion have come to our attention in which one marriage partner desiring to live a good moral Christian life found themselves in a situation they did not know how to cope with. In most cases it is a wife, sometimes with children, that feels helplessly trapped with an inconsiderate demanding husband. Only God knows the anguish and despair of such an one.
However regardless of the consequence, a wife or husband finding themselves in such a situation must stand true to God and their own conscience. This is their only hope for peace with God and ultimately helping bring deliverance to their mate. In doing this you can depend on God to fight your battle and the Lord can use your chaste behavior to speak to the heart of the erring one.
In all other things the innocent partner should honor their husband or wife as long as they are pleased to dwell with them under these conditions. I Cor. 7:12-13, I Peter 3:1-7.
This rule, of course, does not apply when a situation becomes intolerable. This may very well happen when the innocent partner begins to resist their perverted desire. When the home life becomes unbearable or the erring mate turns to outsiders to gratify his or her perverted desire, I believe the innocent party is justified in leaving them.
God is faithful and will bring a permanent solution to such cases where his child dares to be faithful to him. In some instances the perverted one will be delivered and saved. In other cases they will choose to separate themselves and join one of their own kind, thus freeing the innocent party to serve God without interference.
Regardless of the type of sexual perversion or the conditions under which people indulge they are in danger. As is brought out in Romans, chapter one, sexual perversion is one of the outstanding signs of reprobation. A reprobate is one who has been abandoned by God. He has been given over to his vile passions and without a moral conscience takes pleasure in his sin.
This is the bottomless pit of moral corruption from which there is no hope of deliverance. Although there are numerous other signs of reprobation in Romans 1:21-32, sexual perversion is set forth as the outstanding characteristic. When you indulge in sexual perversion of any type for any reason you may be on the road to reprobation whether you have reached it or not.
Although many sexual deviates justify themselves and continue to masquerade under a false cloak of respectability, others make no pretense as they sink lower and lower into the cesspool of iniquity. Molesters of children, sadistic cruelty, dope addiction, witchcraft, Satan worship, defiance of law, crime and unmentionable perversion all lie in the path of the sexual deviate.
Although some sexual perverts have, no doubt, been given over to a reprobate mind and there is no hope for them there is hope for others. Only the God of all grace knows who these are. For this reason it is not our prerogative to turn any away that express a desire for help.
Paul says in I Cor. 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
It is obvious Paul had reference to sexual perversion when he included in this list of sinners the effeminate and abusers of themselves with mankind. But thank God he goes on to say in verse 11, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Beyond a shadow of doubt God had delivered and saved some of these Corinthians from sexual perversion. Yes there is hope for the sexual deviate if he desires help and will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin including sexual perversion. I John 1:7.